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Photos from Quiltwalk.org

We all know that quilts do an exellent job of keeping us warm, comforting those we love, and adding beauty to our surroundings. Did you know, however, that during the winter of 1864-65 they also helped save a Utah town from starvation?

It was during winter of 1864 when the pioneer town of Fairview, UT, found itself without wheat due to a second unexpectedly early winter snow. The town, incorporated in 1863 by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, was nestled at an elevation of 6,600 feet, approximately 20 miles from what is now Bryce Canyon National Park. The nearest town, Parowan, lay over a mountain pass, about 40 miles away. With no other food available and the residents starving, seven men set out from Fairview over the pass to find food, outfitted with only the most meager provisions, quilts being among them. Little did they know that those quilts would prove a major factor in their journey.

Moving along slowly, the men made fairly good progress until they began to ascend the mountain, where it became impossible to manuever their heavy wagon through the deep snow. The decision was made to continue on foot, but without snowshoes, the men sank deeply into the snow with every step. In desperation, they spread a quilt and gathered together to pray. As they were praying, they noticed that the quilt provided a broader area to support their weight; they were no longer sinking into the snow. 

The men began to line up their quilts and walk across the snow. Once it was crossed, the quilt at the back of the line was passed to the front, and so it continued across the mountain pass, until the men reached the town of Parowan. Taking as much flour as they could carry, they trekked (on quilts) back across the mountain pass to Fairview. It is estimated that the entire journey took between 10-14 days. 

As a tribute to the indomitable spirit of these early pioneers, the town (renamed Panguitch) holds a memorial and festival each year during the second weekend in June. Along with tours of the early pioneer homes, there are many activities centered around quilting!  To learn more click here.

Photo from Quiltwalk.org